A new paper has been published that explores practical approaches for delivering quality on large or complex Passivhaus and low energy projects.
Delivering Quality stems from a joint collaboration between Passivhaus Trust (PHT) and Built Environment – Smarter Transformation (BE-ST) and has been developed by Tier 1 contractors (T1C) and key stakeholders.
Morrison Construction acted as lead author, supported by other major contractors and supply chain partners. It builds on a previous project between Morrison, Kier Construction, Balfour Beatty, Robertson and Morgan Sindall, their supply chains and BE-ST, which saw a test bay built in the BE-ST factory, which allowed the consortia to learn more about thermal principles and airtightness in practice, and test new processes, products and methods.
Stakeholders noted that achieving the high levels of quality required for Passivhaus and low energy projects relies on evolving how existing tools and processes are applied, particularly through construction and handover. This paper analyses the collective experience of these contractors to document common challenges and provide recommendations to overcome these and achieve desired quality standards.
The paper does not aim to provide a full guide to construction planning. Rather, it focuses on the principles that most influence quality outcomes.
Delivering Quality finds that, ultimately, achieving quality outputs and outcomes in Passivhaus and low energy projects depends on leadership and culture, not just systems and standards. It reports that strong leadership can create a culture for success by setting expectations, driving best practice, and giving teams the confidence to take ownership of solutions.
BE-ST and Passivhaus Trust are planning to disseminate the findings of the paper to the wider UK construction industry through webinars, training and working with professional bodies.
To download a free copy, visit www.be-st.build/delivering-quality-report
